Side Effects of Smoking and Drinking during Treatment

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The doctor said my husband has to stop smoking and drinking or it could make his side effects worse. Is this true? If so, how do I get a guy who has smoked for over 25 years and also drinks alcohol to quit?

Is it true that smoking can increase the side effects of cancer treatment?

Answer

Alexander Lin, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn Medicine, responds:

Quitting smoking is one of the most critical steps a patient should take in their therapy. Smoking during treatment can compromise the ultimate success of therapy (it has been shown that those who smoke during treatment have a lower cure rate compared to those who don't smoke during treatment). Additionally, those who continue to smoke are at a higher risk of developing another cancer in the future.

Apr 20, 2010 - Exposure to secondhand smoke is common in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, and many cases of the chronic condition may be directly attributable to the secondhand smoke exposure, according to a study published in the April issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery.